Canadian families help families around the world through Children Believe

By Sheilagh Newland, communications intern, Canada

Picture of Parents holding hands of their child

Family's Impact: Preparing for International Day.

When you hear the word ‘family’ what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of your parents and siblings, or maybe your family is your surrounding community and friends. This simple word can have many meanings, but no matter how you define it, family is vital. And, Canadian families who help families around the world make a better world.

Perhaps that’s why the United Nations conceived International Day of Families (May 15). It’s a chance to reflect on the challenges families across the globe face. The goal is to increase awareness of social, economic and demographic concerns.

Families play an important role in alleviating poverty around the world

In 2018 United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) released the Key Findings on Families, Family Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals report. It explored how families around the globe play a key role in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (which the United Nations conceived to create a better world for everyone).

The report covered six major areas — one being poverty. It found the risk of poverty is highly dependent on the household where a child is raised. It notes that those living in developing countries are more at risk when they live in rural areas or if they had to migrate. (Read more about our work on migration here.)

How can your family make a difference in ending poverty?

Children Believe supports families by working with children, parents and communities, helping them develop the skills and providing the resources needed to overcome poverty and injustice.

Our work would not be possible without families supporting children through our sponsorship program.

Join Canadian families who help families around the world. Sponsor a child today.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance:

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

Inspiring Stories

September 2021

How a sponsor helped a girl achieve her dream

Amidu's journey from adversity to becoming a professional teacher is inspiring. With support from Children Believe, she overcame obstacles, including financial challenges and the loss of her mother, to pursue her dream of education and now teaches 400 students.

August 2018

Bicycles offer hope for brighter future

Joana, who used to walk 10 km to school in Ghana, now rides a bike donated by Christian Children’s Fund of Canada. This has improved her grades and school attendance.

February 2023

How Black History Month highlights a need for educ...

Exploring the evolution of Black History Month and its impact on education, emphasizing the importance of inclusive narratives.